What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?
- Grace Dowd
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Anxiety can be debilitating. It's something nearly everyone experiences to some degree, but it can make life feel unbearable for some. There are several forms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and high-functioning anxiety.
While all forms of anxiety have some overlapping signs and symptoms, high-functioning anxiety is unique in the way it's hidden from the outside world. Let's learn more about what this type of anxiety looks like, how it differs from other types of anxiety, and ways to cope.
Defining High-Functioning Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety in which the person suffering is able to function at a high level despite experiencing anxiety on a regular basis. It differs from other types of anxiety disorders that create major disturbances in one's daily life, making it difficult to function normally.
The Cause
Similar to other forms of anxiety, the exact cause of high-functioning anxiety isn't known. That being said, these are some elements that can potentially contribute to the development of high-functioning anxiety:
Biological factors
Childhood experiences
Genetics
Medical conditions
Learned behaviors and traits
Perfectionism
Personality types
Societal pressures
Stressful life events
The Signs and Symptoms
Individuals who struggle with high-functioning anxiety still deal with inner stressors and other symptoms of anxiety. The difference is that they're able to cope well enough to make it seem like everything is fine by completing their daily tasks and responsibilities. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety:
Mental
Extreme focus on details
Fear of disappointing someone
Inability to relax
Overthinking
Racing thoughts
Self-doubt
Physical
Body aches and pains
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Excessive sweating
Headaches
Increased heart rate
Muscle tension
Numbness or tingling sensation
Sleeping problems
What High-Functioning Anxiety Feels Like
Excessive worrying, perfectionism, and a fear of criticism or failure are some of the inner experiences most commonly associated with high-functioning anxiety, although they can be present with any anxiety disorder. It's worth noting, however, that no two cases of anxiety are exactly the same, and experiences will vary.
Inner Battle and Outward Appearance
This is the main distinguishing feature of high-functioning anxiety: a disconnect between inner experience and outward appearance. Someone dealing with this condition might be battling anxious thoughts, ruminating, and feeling inadequate, all while appearing calm and confident to others.
The ability to keep negative thoughts and feelings hidden from others can make it easier to function in society, but it's not necessarily healthy. Relief and a good quality of life come from alleviating the symptoms of anxiety rather than learning to hide them. When left untreated, anxiety can lead to debilitating fatigue, burnout, and depression.
How to Cope
There are some coping strategies that you can implement into your daily life and routine if you want to try to better manage the signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety. Here are some of the lifestyle changes you can make and strategies you can implement to help you:
Lean on your support system
Identify your core values and beliefs
Practice mindfulness
Set and enforce boundaries
Practice self-care
Work on finding a balance
Stop comparing yourself to others
Work on accepting criticism and using it to better yourself
If you're seeing a lot of yourself in the signs and symptoms described in this post, high-functioning anxiety could be the culprit. Even though you're able to make it through your day-to-day without anyone noticing, this doesn't have to be your new normal.
Working with a mental health professional can help you get to the root cause of your anxiety and help you find ways to cope and move forward. Reach out today about anxiety counseling to get started with an initial consultation.